Oxytocin Studies

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Overall Health Benefits of Oxytocin

Oxytocin offers broad health benefits, including anti-aging effects, weight management, stress reduction, mood enhancement, cognitive and social skill improvements, blood pressure regulation, cardiovascular protection, inflammation reduction, addiction treatment, blood sugar control, and better sleep quality.

Numbers refer to studies below

Produces anti-aging effects [1-11]
Promotes weight loss [12-36]
Fights stress [37-50]
Improves mood [51-64]
Improves cognitive function [65-79]
Improves social skills [80-98]
Lowers blood pressure [99-107]
Lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease [108-123]
Fights inflammation [122, 124-135]
Treats substance addiction [136-161]
Improves sexual function [162-213]
Improves blood sugar levels [214-223]
Improves sleep quality [224-231]

Key Takeaways

Anti-Aging and Longevity: Oxytocin has anti-aging properties, helping to slow cellular aging and promote overall vitality.
Mood and Stress Regulation: Known as the “love hormone,” oxytocin helps alleviate stress, improves mood, and enhances social interactions, making it beneficial for mental well-being.
Weight Management and Metabolism: It supports weight loss and metabolic health, contributing to better body composition and blood sugar control.
Cardiovascular Health: Oxytocin lowers blood pressure and reduces cardiovascular risk, protecting heart health over time.
Enhanced Cognitive Function: This hormone improves cognitive function, memory, and social skills, while also enhancing intimacy.

Highlight on:

Improves Social Skills

Oxytocin plays an integral role in social bonding. Also known as the “love hormone”, it is involved in the regulation of emotions and acts as a chemical reward in the brain during various social interactions. Since many oxytocin receptors are distributed in various brain regions, this hormone may play a role in regulating social behaviors. [80-81]

Studies show that oxytocin can help address impaired social skills due to various medical conditions:

In patients with autism, intranasal administration of oxytocin resulted in stronger interactions with a partner during a simulated ball game and enhanced feelings of trust and preference. [82]
In a 16-year-old girl with autistic disorder, long-term administration of oxytocin nasal spray improved social interactions and social communication without adverse effects and dramatically decreased aberrant behaviors such as irritability and aggressiveness. [83]
In patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD), intranasal administration of the hormone oxytocin (24 IU) improved observer-rated social behavior compared with placebo. [84]
In patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), treatment with intranasal oxytocin for 6 weeks resulted in improvement in emotion recognition. [85]
In children with autism aged 6-12 years, 4-week intranasal oxytocin treatment (24 International Units, twice daily) significantly enhanced social abilities compared with placebo. [86]
In older males, the administration of oxytocin nasal spray (20 international units) improved emotion recognition compared with placebo. [87]
In women with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a single intranasal dose of oxytocin enhanced compassion toward women. [88]
In participants who self-administered one dose of 24 IU of oxytocin, a positive effect on the accuracy of fear recognition was observed. [89]
In patients with schizophrenia, a mental disorder that affects the interpretation of reality, intranasal oxytocin administration resulted in improvements in fear recognition, perspective taking, and a reduction in negative symptoms. [90]
In adult males with and without autism, intranasal administration of 24 IU of oxytocin enhanced gaze to the eyes. [91]
In newborn monkeys, oxytocin administration increased facial gesturing at a human caregiver compared with placebo. [92]
Reviews of multiple studies found that the administration of oxytocin to both individuals with ASD and typically developing individuals can enhance performance on social cognitive tasks. [93-95]
In infants with Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes physical, mental, and behavioral problems, the administration of 4 IU of oxytocin either every other day, daily, or twice daily resulted in significant improvements in Clinical Global Impression scale scores, social withdrawal behavior, and mother-infant interactions. [96]
In children with autism, oxytocin administration improved brain function as evidenced by enhanced social functioning. [97]
A study found that oxytocin modulates human communication by enhancing cognitive exploration. [98]

From Genemedics

References

Borg, M., Brincat, S., Camilleri, G., Schembri-Wismayer, P., Brincat, M., & Calleja-Agius, J. (2013). The role of cytokines in skin aging. Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society, 16(5), 514–521. https://doi.org/10.3109/13697137.2013.802303.View Summary –The role of cytokines in skin agingCutaneous aging, especially prominent after menopause, results from a combination of chronological aging, reduced estrogen levels, and environmental factors. It leads to reduced collagen, thinner skin, dryness, and slower healing. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, like tumor necrosis factor-alpha, contribute to collagen degradation and lower skin immunity, increasing infection risk. Other cytokines and proteins, such as CCN1, disrupt skin homeostasis. Further research is needed to understand cytokine roles in treating skin aging.You can read the abstract of the article at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/13697137.2013.802303.
Cho, S. Y., Kim, A. Y., Kim, J., Choi, D. H., Son, E. D., & Shin, D. W. (2019). Oxytocin alleviates cellular senescence through oxytocin receptor-mediated extracellular signal-regulated kinase/Nrf2 signalling. The British journal of dermatology, 181(6), 1216–1225. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.17824.View Summary –Oxytocin alleviates cellular senescence through oxytocin receptor-mediated extracellular signal-regulated kinase/Nrf2 signallingOxytocin (OT) shows potential in preventing skin aging by suppressing cellular senescence in human dermal fibroblasts, with its effects varying by donor age. OT’s anti-senescence action involves OXTR-mediated signaling that activates Nrf2, a key antioxidant regulator. These effects are linked to age-related hypermethylation of the OT receptor gene. OT and its receptor agonists could be promising therapeutic agents for combating age-related skin deterioration, particularly in women.You can read the abstract of the article at https://academic.oup.com/bjd/article-abstract/181/6/1216/6752042?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false.
Hayre N. (2020). Oxytocin Levels Inversely Correlate With Skin Age Score and Solar Damage. Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD, 19(12), 1146–1148. https://doi.org/10.36849/JDD.2020.5063.View Summary –Oxytocin Levels Inversely Correlate With Skin Age Score and Solar DamageThis pilot study suggests a correlation between higher oxytocin (OT) levels and more youthful skin appearance in women aged 48–61. OT appears to protect against skin aging by inhibiting the release of proinflammatory cytokines linked to skin senescence. All subjects showed a reduction in their skin age score (SAS) compared to the expected average, with a nearly linear relationship between higher OT levels and reduced SAS, supporting OT’s protective role in skin health.You can read the full article at https://jddonline.com/articles/oxytocin-levels-inversely-correlate-with-skin-age-score-and-solar-damage-S1545961620P1146X/.
Stevenson, J. R., McMahon, E. K., Boner, W., & Haussmann, M. F. (2019). Oxytocin administration prevents cellular aging caused by social isolation. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 103, 52–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.01.006.View Summary –Oxytocin administration prevents cellular aging caused by social isolationThis study found that chronic social isolation in female prairie voles led to increased glucocorticoid levels, oxidative damage, telomere shortening, and depression-like behavior. However, daily oxytocin injections prevented these harmful effects, suggesting that oxytocin can protect against the cellular aging and behavioral consequences of chronic stress.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7476076/.
Ebner, N. C., Maura, G. M., Macdonald, K., Westberg, L., & Fischer, H. (2013). Oxytocin and socioemotional aging: Current knowledge and future trends. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 7, 487. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2013.00487.View Summary –Oxytocin and socioemotional aging: Current knowledge and future trendsThis review explores the role of the oxytocin (OT) system in socioemotional functioning, particularly in aging, where little is known about how age-related changes in OT may influence social behaviors. While OT has been studied in young adults, evidence on its effects in older populations is limited. The authors propose an Age-Related Genetic, Neurobiological, Sociobehavioral Model of Oxytocin (AGeNeS-OT model) to guide future research into how OT impacts aging-related socioemotional changes, with potential implications for addressing depression, social stress, and anxiety in older adults.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3755210/.
Elabd, C., Cousin, W., Upadhyayula, P., Chen, R. Y., Chooljian, M. S., Li, J., Kung, S., Jiang, K. P., & Conboy, I. M. (2014). Oxytocin is an age-specific circulating hormone that is necessary for muscle maintenance and regeneration. Nature communications, 5, 4082. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms5082.View Summary –Oxytocin is an age-specific circulating hormone that is necessary for muscle maintenance and regenerationThis study reveals that oxytocin, a hormone traditionally associated with lactation and social behaviors, is crucial for muscle regeneration and maintenance, with its levels declining as we age. Inhibiting oxytocin signaling reduces muscle repair, while administering oxytocin enhances muscle regeneration in older animals by activating muscle stem cells. The findings suggest that oxytocin could be a promising, FDA-approved treatment for preventing or combating muscle aging.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4512838/.
Luo, D., Jin, B., Zhai, X., Li, J., Liu, C., Guo, W., & Li, J. (2021). Oxytocin promotes hepatic regeneration in elderly mice. iScience, 24(2), 102125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2021.102125.View Summary –Oxytocin promotes hepatic regeneration in elderly miceThis study shows that oxytocin (OT) plays a crucial role in promoting liver regeneration, particularly in aged mice. With age, OT receptors in hepatocytes and serum OT levels decrease, but OT administration boosts hepatocyte regeneration and autophagy in aged liver cells. These findings suggest that OT could be a potential anti-aging treatment to support liver rejuvenation.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7895748/.
Benameur, T., Panaro, M. A., & Porro, C. (2021). The antiaging role of oxytocin. Neural regeneration research, 16(12), 2413–2414. https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.313030.View Summary –The antiaging role of oxytocinHuman life expectancy is increasing, and aging is influenced by various biological, environmental, and social factors. Aging leads to molecular damage that causes functional abnormalities in cells, tissues, and systems. Nine key biological hallmarks of aging, including telomere attrition, genomic instability, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular senescence, play critical roles in determining longevity, with telomere shortening being a primary factor.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8374585/.
Buemann B. (2022). Oxytocin Release: A Remedy for Cerebral Inflammaging. Current aging science, 15(3), 218–228. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874609815666220414104832.View Summary –Oxytocin Release: A Remedy for Cerebral InflammagingOxytocin regulates reproduction through both physiological and behavioral mechanisms, influencing reproductive organs, neuroendocrine systems, sensory processing, and reward functions. It also has anti-inflammatory and restorative effects, protecting neurons and supporting cells from inflammation and dysfunction. Frequent sexual activity and positive social experiences may stimulate oxytocin release, potentially delaying frailty and age-related diseases by promoting neural protection. The neuroplasticity of oxytocin could be harnessed to enhance sexual reward, further reinforcing its release.You can read the abstract of the article at https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/122565.
Faraji, J., Karimi, M., Soltanpour, N., Moharrerie, A., Rouhzadeh, Z., Lotfi, H., Hosseini, S. A., Jafari, S. Y., Roudaki, S., Moeeini, R., & Metz, G. A. (2018). Oxytocin-mediated social enrichment promotes longer telomeres and novelty seeking. eLife, 7, e40262. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.40262.View Summary –Oxytocin-mediated social enrichment promotes longer telomeres and novelty seekingSocial experiences significantly influence health, as shown in a study where prolonged social housing increased circulating oxytocin (OT) levels in both male and female rats, but only females experienced telomere length (TL) elongation and increased novelty-seeking behavior. Blocking OT with an antagonist negated these benefits, leading to TL erosion and behavioral deficits, especially in females. This suggests females are more sensitive to the genetic and behavioral effects of OT, highlighting social enrichment as a potential therapeutic strategy for promoting stress resilience and healthy aging.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6277206/.
Elabd, C., Cousin, W., Upadhyayula, P., Chen, R. Y., Chooljian, M. S., Li, J., Kung, S., Jiang, K. P., & Conboy, I. M. (2014). Oxytocin is an age-specific circulating hormone that is necessary for muscle maintenance and regeneration. Nature communications, 5, 4082. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms5082.View Summary –Oxytocin is an age-specific circulating hormone that is necessary for muscle maintenance and regenerationOxytocin, a hormone known for its role in social behaviors and reproduction, is also crucial for muscle regeneration and homeostasis. Plasma levels of oxytocin decline with age, and inhibiting its signaling impairs muscle regeneration, while administering oxytocin enhances stem cell activation in aged muscles. The study shows that oxytocin deficiency leads to premature muscle aging (sarcopenia) and suggests that oxytocin, as an FDA-approved drug, could be a promising and safe treatment for combating age-related muscle decline.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4512838/.
Hong, S. M., Ko, J. K., Moon, J. J., & Kim, Y. R. (2021). Oxytocin: A Potential Therapeutic for Obesity. Journal of obesity & metabolic syndrome, 30(2), 115–123. https://doi.org/10.7570/jomes20098.View Summary –Oxytocin: A Potential Therapeutic for ObesityOxytocin, a neuropeptide regulating food consumption and energy balance, has been shown to reduce caloric intake and support weight loss in obese and binge-eating patients. Its effects on metabolism and hedonic eating suggest oxytocin’s potential as a therapeutic option for treating obesity and binge-eating disorders.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8277591/.
Espinoza, S. E., Lee, J. L., Wang, C. P., Ganapathy, V., MacCarthy, D., Pascucci, C., Musi, N., & Volpi, E. (2021). Intranasal Oxytocin Improves Lean Muscle Mass and Lowers LDL Cholesterol in Older Adults with Sarcopenic Obesity: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 22(9), 1877–1882.e2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2021.04.015.View Summary –Intranasal Oxytocin Improves Lean Muscle Mass and Lowers LDL Cholesterol in Older Adults with Sarcopenic Obesity: A Pilot Randomized Controlled TrialThis clinical trial on older adults with sarcopenic obesity found that intranasal oxytocin significantly increased lean muscle mass and reduced LDL cholesterol without adverse effects. While no changes were observed in BMI or fat mass, oxytocin shows promise as a potential treatment for sarcopenic obesity and may offer cardiovascular benefits.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8567747/.
Lawson, E. A., Olszewski, P. K., Weller, A., & Blevins, J. E. (2020). The role of oxytocin in regulation of appetitive behaviour, body weight and glucose homeostasis. Journal of neuroendocrinology, 32(4), e12805. https://doi.org/10.1111/jne.12805.View Summary –The role of oxytocin in regulation of appetitive behaviour, body weight and glucose homeostasisThis review highlights oxytocin’s role in regulating energy balance and its potential as a treatment for obesity. Oxytocin, traditionally known for reproductive functions, has been shown to decrease food intake and induce weight loss in both animal models and obese humans. Chronic administration of oxytocin, particularly via the central nervous system, reduces weight without adverse effects. However, further research is needed to address challenges before oxytocin-based treatments can be widely used for obesity management.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7186135/.
Edwards, M. M., Nguyen, H. K., Herbertson, A. J., Dodson, A. D., Wietecha, T., Wolden-Hanson, T., Graham, J. L., O’Brien, K. D., Havel, P. J., & Blevins, J. E. (2021). Chronic hindbrain administration of oxytocin elicits weight loss in male diet-induced obese mice. American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology, 320(4), R471–R487. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00294.2020.View Summary –Chronic hindbrain administration of oxytocin elicits weight loss in male diet-induced obese miceChronic administration of oxytocin (OT) to the hindbrain in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice leads to sustained weight loss by reducing food intake and increasing energy expenditure, specifically through enhanced thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT). This weight loss is also associated with reduced adiposity and smaller fat cells, supporting the potential of OT as a treatment for obesity without causing visceral illness.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8238148/.
Niu, J., Tong, J., & Blevins, J. E. (2021). Oxytocin as an Anti-obesity Treatment. Frontiers in neuroscience, 15, 743546. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2021.743546.View Summary –Oxytocin as an Anti-obesity TreatmentOxytocin (OT) shows promise as a therapeutic strategy for obesity by reducing food intake and increasing energy expenditure, bypassing leptin resistance. Studies in rodents, non-human primates, and humans suggest OT can lead to weight loss without the psychiatric or cardiovascular side effects often associated with current weight loss therapies, making it a potential long-term treatment option for obesity.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8549820/.
Maejima, Y., Iwasaki, Y., Yamahara, Y., Kodaira, M., Sedbazar, U., & Yada, T. (2011). Peripheral oxytocin treatment ameliorates obesity by reducing food intake and visceral fat mass. Aging, 3(12), 1169–1177. https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.100408.View Summary –Peripheral oxytocin treatment ameliorates obesity by reducing food intake and visceral fat massRecent studies show that peripheral oxytocin (Oxt) treatment reduces food intake, body weight, visceral fat mass, and improves glucose tolerance and fatty liver in obese mice. Both acute and sub-chronic Oxt administration suppresses food intake, reduces adipocyte size, and has prolonged weight loss effects, making it a promising therapeutic option for treating obesity and related metabolic disorders.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3273897/.
Pflimlin, E., Zhou, Z., Amso, Z., Fu, Q., Lee, C., Muppiddi, A., Joseph, S. B., Nguyen-Tran, V., & Shen, W. (2020). Engineering a Potent, Long-Acting, and Periphery-Restricted Oxytocin Receptor Agonist with Anorexigenic and Body Weight Reducing Effects. Journal of medicinal chemistry, 63(1), 382–390. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01862.View Summary –Engineering a Potent, Long-Acting, and Periphery-Restricted Oxytocin Receptor Agonist with Anorexigenic and Body Weight Reducing EffectsOxytocin’s effects on reducing food intake and body weight have been demonstrated, but its instability limits long-term use. A new oxytocin derivative, OT-12, was developed with a longer half-life and peripheral restriction, showing potent anorexigenic and weight-reducing effects in obese mice. This suggests OT-12 could be a promising long-term treatment for obesity.You can read the abstract of the article at https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01862.
Erdenebayar, O., Kato, T., Kawakita, T., Kasai, K., Kadota, Y., Yoshida, K., Iwasa, T., & Irahara, M. (2021). Effects of peripheral oxytocin administration on body weight, food intake, adipocytes, and biochemical parameters in peri- and postmenopausal female rats. Endocrine journal, 68(1), 7–16. https://doi.org/10.1507/endocrj.EJ19-0586.View Summary –Effects of peripheral oxytocin administration on body weight, food intake, adipocytes, and biochemical parameters in peri- and postmenopausal female ratsRecent studies suggest that chronic oxytocin administration can significantly reduce food intake, body weight, and fat mass in peri- and postmenopausal female rats without disturbing hepatic or renal functions. This indicates oxytocin’s potential as a treatment for obesity and metabolic disorders commonly associated with menopause and aging.You can read the full article at https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/endocrj/68/1/68_EJ19-0586/_article.
Yamamoto, S., Noguchi, H., Takeda, A., Arakaki, R., Uchishiba, M., Imaizumi, J., Minato, S., Kamada, S., Kagawa, T., Yoshida, A., Kawakita, T., Yamamoto, Y., Yoshida, K., Kon, M., Shinohara, N., & Iwasa, T. (2022). Changes in Endogenous Oxytocin Levels and the Effects of Exogenous Oxytocin Administration on Body Weight Changes and Food Intake in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Model Rats. International journal of molecular sciences, 23(15), 8207. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23158207.View Summary –Changes in Endogenous Oxytocin Levels and the Effects of Exogenous Oxytocin Administration on Body Weight Changes and Food Intake in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Model RatsPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is linked to metabolic issues worsened by obesity, and current weight loss programs often have high dropout rates. Recent research shows that oxytocin (OT) can reduce body weight, food intake, and fat mass without adverse effects. In a study using PCOS model rats, OT administration lowered body weight and food intake, especially in PCOS rats, suggesting that OT could be a safe and effective treatment for obese PCOS patients.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9330807/.
Roberts, Z. S., Wolden-Hanson, T., Matsen, M. E., Ryu, V., Vaughan, C. H., Graham, J. L., Havel, P. J., Chukri, D. W., Schwartz, M. W., Morton, G. J., & Blevins, J. E. (2017). Chronic hindbrain administration of oxytocin is sufficient to elicit weight loss in diet-induced obese rats. American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology, 313(4), R357–R371. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00169.2017.View Summary –Chronic hindbrain administration of oxytocin is sufficient to elicit weight loss in diet-induced obese ratsOxytocin (OT) administration promotes weight loss in diet-induced obese (DIO) animals by reducing food intake and increasing energy expenditure. This study found that OT, particularly when infused into the hindbrain, enhances brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis, contributing to sustained weight loss. These effects suggest that OT affects both energy intake and BAT thermogenesis through central mechanisms, supporting its potential as a treatment for obesity.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5668612/.
Blevins, J. E., Thompson, B. W., Anekonda, V. T., Ho, J. M., Graham, J. L., Roberts, Z. S., Hwang, B. H., Ogimoto, K., Wolden-Hanson, T., Nelson, J., Kaiyala, K. J., Havel, P. J., Bales, K. L., Morton, G. J., Schwartz, M. W., & Baskin, D. G. (2016). Chronic CNS oxytocin signaling preferentially induces fat loss in high-fat diet-fed rats by enhancing satiety responses and increasing lipid utilization. American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology, 310(7), R640–R658. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00220.2015.View Summary –Chronic CNS oxytocin signaling preferentially induces fat loss in high-fat diet-fed rats by enhancing satiety responses and increasing lipid utilizationOxytocin (OT) promotes weight loss in diet-induced obese (DIO) animals by reducing food intake and increasing energy expenditure, partly through stimulating brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis. This study found that OT’s effects on BAT thermogenesis are mediated through hindbrain OT receptors, supporting the potential of OT as a sustained treatment for obesity by targeting both energy intake and thermogenesis.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5668612/.
Morton, G. J., Thatcher, B. S., Reidelberger, R. D., Ogimoto, K., Wolden-Hanson, T., Baskin, D. G., Schwartz, M. W., & Blevins, J. E. (2012). Peripheral oxytocin suppresses food intake and causes weight loss in diet-induced obese rats. American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 302(1), E134–E144. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.00296.2011.View Summary –Peripheral oxytocin suppresses food intake and causes weight loss in diet-induced obese ratsOxytocin administration reduces food intake and induces weight loss in diet-induced obese (DIO) animals, regardless of high-fat or low-fat diet. It remains effective in leptin-resistant animals and activates key hindbrain areas regulating satiety, such as the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) and area postrema (AP). Oxytocin also prevents the typical decrease in energy expenditure seen in weight-reduced animals, supporting its role in regulating energy balance and weight loss.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3328087/.
Lawson, E. A., Olszewski, P. K., Weller, A., & Blevins, J. E. (2020). The role of oxytocin in regulation of appetitive behaviour, body weight and glucose homeostasis. Journal of neuroendocrinology, 32(4), e12805. https://doi.org/10.1111/jne.12805.View Summary –The role of oxytocin in regulation of appetitive behaviour, body weight and glucose homeostasisOxytocin (OXT) plays a significant role in regulating energy balance and reducing food intake, with both central and peripheral administration leading to weight loss in diet-induced obese (DIO) animals and humans. Chronic OXT treatment, even in cases of leptin resistance, promotes weight loss without adverse effects, showing potential for treating obesity. However, challenges remain in developing long-term OXT-based therapies for humans.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7186135/.
Blevins, J. E., & Ho, J. M. (2013). Role of oxytocin signaling in the regulation of body weight. Reviews in endocrine & metabolic disorders, 14(4), 311–329. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-013-9260-x.View Summary –Role of oxytocin signaling in the regulation of body weightObesity and related metabolic disorders are major health concerns worldwide. While oxytocin is known for its peripheral effects on reproduction, its release in the central nervous system regulates energy balance and reduces food intake. Chronic oxytocin administration in diet-induced and genetically obese rodents results in significant weight loss without tolerance, suggesting its potential as a treatment to overcome leptin resistance and manage obesity.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4213929/.
Yuan, J., Zhang, R., Wu, R., Gu, Y., & Lu, Y. (2020). The effects of oxytocin to rectify metabolic dysfunction in obese mice are associated with increased thermogenesis. Molecular and cellular endocrinology, 514, 110903. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2020.110903.View Summary –The effects of oxytocin to rectify metabolic dysfunction in obese mice are associated with increased thermogenesisOxytocin reduces body weight gain in obese animals by decreasing food intake and increasing energy expenditure. It promotes thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and induces browning of white adipose tissue (WAT), which contributes to enhanced energy expenditure. Additionally, oxytocin improves glucose and insulin tolerance, reduces fatty liver, and increases thermogenic gene expression in BAT, WAT, and skeletal muscle, making it a promising treatment for obesity and metabolic dysfunctions.You can read the full article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0303720720302033?via%3Dihub.
Thienel, M., Fritsche, A., Heinrichs, M., Peter, A., Ewers, M., Lehnert, H., Born, J., & Hallschmid, M. (2016). Oxytocin’s inhibitory effect on food intake is stronger in obese than normal-weight men. International journal of obesity (2005), 40(11), 1707–1714. https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2016.149.View Summary –Oxytocin’s inhibitory effect on food intake is stronger in obese than normal-weight menOxytocin administration reduces hunger-driven food intake in obese men more effectively than in normal-weight men, while also lowering snack consumption and blunting post-meal glucose spikes in both groups. Although energy expenditure remains unaffected, oxytocin’s acute inhibition of food intake, especially in obese individuals, suggests its potential for treating metabolic disorders.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5116063/.
Lawson E. A. (2017). The effects of oxytocin on eating behaviour and metabolism in humans. Nature reviews. Endocrinology, 13(12), 700–709. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrendo.2017.115.View Summary –The effects of oxytocin on eating behaviour and metabolism in humansOxytocin, a hypothalamic hormone, regulates eating behavior and metabolism, and its chronic administration in rodents and nonhuman primates leads to sustained weight loss by reducing food intake, increasing energy expenditure, and enhancing lipolysis. In humans, oxytocin also reduces caloric intake, boosts fat oxidation, and improves insulin sensitivity, with promising early clinical trials showing significant weight loss. These findings suggest oxytocin-based therapies could be effective for treating metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5868755/.
Fu-Man, D., Hong-Yu, K., Bin-Hong, D., Da-Na, L., & Xin-Yang, Y. (2019). Associations of oxytocin with metabolic parameters in obese women of childbearing age. Endokrynologia Polska, 70(5), 417–422. https://doi.org/10.5603/EP.a2019.0028.View Summary –Associations of oxytocin with metabolic parameters in obese women of childbearing ageAssociations of oxytocin with metabolic parameters in obese women of childbearing ageThis study found that obese women of childbearing age had lower plasma oxytocin levels compared to non-obese women. Oxytocin levels were negatively associated with insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol (TC), and LDL cholesterol, and positively associated with HDL cholesterol. These findings suggest that oxytocin may play a role in reducing metabolic disorders related to obesity in women of childbearing age.You can read the abstract of the article at https://journals.viamedica.pl/endokrynologia_polska/article/view/63759.
Blevins, J. E., Graham, J. L., Morton, G. J., Bales, K. L., Schwartz, M. W., Baskin, D. G., & Havel, P. J. (2015). Chronic oxytocin administration inhibits food intake, increases energy expenditure, and produces weight loss in fructose-fed obese rhesus monkeys. American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology, 308(5), R431–R438. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00441.2014.View Summary –Chronic oxytocin administration inhibits food intake, increases energy expenditure, and produces weight loss in fructose-fed obese rhesus monkeysThis study found that oxytocin (OT) reduces body weight in diet-induced obese (DIO) rhesus monkeys by decreasing food intake, increasing energy expenditure, and promoting lipolysis. Chronic OT administration for four weeks led to significant weight loss, reduced intake of chow and fructose-sweetened beverages, and increased energy expenditure during the dark cycle. These findings support OT’s potential as a treatment for obesity.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4346756/.
Lawson, E. A., Marengi, D. A., DeSanti, R. L., Holmes, T. M., Schoenfeld, D. A., & Tolley, C. J. (2015). Oxytocin reduces caloric intake in men. Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.), 23(5), 950–956. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.21069.View Summary –Oxytocin reduces caloric intake in menThis study found that a single dose Of intranasal oxytocin reduced caloric intake, especially fat consumption, and improved insulin sensitivity in healthy men. Oxytocin increased the anorexigenic hormone cholecystokinin and shifted metabolism from carbohydrate to fat utilization, without affecting resting energy expenditure or appetite. These findings suggest oxytocin’s potential for treating obesity.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4414748/.
Hong, S. M., Ko, J. K., Moon, J. J., & Kim, Y. R. (2021). Oxytocin: A Potential Therapeutic for Obesity. Journal of obesity & metabolic syndrome, 30(2), 115–123. https://doi.org/10.7570/jomes20098.View Summary –Oxytocin: A Potential Therapeutic for ObesityOxytocin is a neuropeptide that regulates food consumption and energy balance, particularly influencing hedonic eating. Studies in obese and binge-eating patients have shown that oxytocin reduces caloric intake and contributes to weight loss, highlighting its therapeutic potential for treating obesity and binge eating.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8277591/.
Niu, J., Tong, J., & Blevins, J. E. (2021). Oxytocin as an Anti-obesity Treatment. Frontiers in neuroscience, 15, 743546. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2021.743546.View Summary –Oxytocin as an Anti-obesity TreatmentObesity increases the risk of various health issues, but current weight loss therapies have limitations due to side effects. Oxytocin (OT), a hypothalamic neuropeptide, shows promise in addressing obesity by reducing food intake and increasing energy expenditure in diet-induced obese animals and humans, even overcoming leptin resistance. This review highlights OT’s potential as a therapeutic strategy for obesity and explores its underlying mechanisms.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8549820/.
Cai, D., & Purkayastha, S. (2013). A New Horizon: Oxytocin as a Novel Therapeutic Option for Obesity and Diabetes. Drug discovery today. Disease mechanisms, 10(1-2), e63–e68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ddmec.2013.05.006.View Summary –A New Horizon: Oxytocin as a Novel Therapeutic Option for Obesity and DiabetesOxytocin (OXT), initially recognized for its role in lactation and uterine contraction, has recently been found to regulate social behaviors and metabolic functions. OXT reduces food intake and body weight by acting on brain regions like the hypothalamus and influences glucose metabolism, insulin secretion, and lipolysis. Recent studies show that OXT nasal spray effectively induces weight loss and metabolic improvements in obese patients, making it a promising drug target for obesity treatment. OXT-derived analogues also show potential for controlling body weight and glucose balance.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3804379/.
Lawson E. A. (2017). The effects of oxytocin on eating behaviour and metabolism in humans. Nature reviews. Endocrinology, 13(12), 700–709. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrendo.2017.115.View Summary –The effects of oxytocin on eating behaviour and metabolism in humansOxytocin, a hypothalamic hormone, regulates eating behavior and metabolism, leading to sustained weight loss by reducing food intake, increasing energy expenditure, and inducing lipolysis in animals. It may also improve glucose homeostasis independently of weight loss. Clinical studies show that intranasal oxytocin can reduce caloric intake, increase fat oxidation, and improve insulin sensitivity in humans, with an 8-week pilot study showing significant weight loss in adults with obesity. These findings highlight oxytocin’s potential as a therapeutic target for obesity and metabolic disorders like diabetes.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5868755/.
Striepens, N., Schröter, F., Stoffel-Wagner, B., Maier, W., Hurlemann, R., & Scheele, D. (2016). Oxytocin enhances cognitive control of food craving in women. Human brain mapping, 37(12), 4276–4285. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbm.23308.View Summary –Oxytocin enhances cognitive control of food craving in womenIn developed countries, obesity is a growing epidemic, and evidence suggests that oxytocin (OXT) helps regulate food cravings. A study involving 31 women found that intranasal OXT reduced food cravings during cognitive control tasks and increased brain activity in areas related to self-control, such as the prefrontal cortex and precuneus. These findings suggest that OXT enhances cognitive regulation of food cravings by activating brain regions associated with top-down control.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6867465/.
Parker, K. J., Buckmaster, C. L., Schatzberg, A. F., & Lyons, D. M. (2005). Intranasal oxytocin administration attenuates the ACTH stress response in monkeys. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 30(9), 924–929. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2005.04.002.View Summary –Intranasal oxytocin administration attenuates the ACTH stress response in monkeysSocial relationships help protect against stress-related psychiatric disorders, and oxytocin (OT) may play a role in this process. A study on female squirrel monkeys found that chronic intranasal OT administration reduced acute stress-induced activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Monkeys treated with OT showed lower levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) after stress, though cortisol levels were unaffected. These findings suggest that OT may reduce stress responses and could lead to new treatments for stress-related disorders.You can read the full article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030645300500082X?via%3Dihub.
Windle, R. J., Kershaw, Y. M., Shanks, N., Wood, S. A., Lightman, S. L., & Ingram, C. D. (2004). Oxytocin attenuates stress-induced c-fos mRNA expression in specific forebrain regions associated with modulation of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal activity. The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience, 24(12), 2974–2982. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3432-03.2004.View Summary –Oxytocin attenuates stress-induced c-fos mRNA expression in specific forebrain regions associated with modulation of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal activityThis study found that oxytocin reduces stress-induced activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and related anxiety behaviors in rats. Oxytocin attenuated the release of stress hormones (ACTH and corticosterone) and suppressed stress-related gene expression in specific brain areas, including the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), lateral septum, and dorsal hippocampus. These findings suggest that oxytocin acts on a selective forebrain stress circuit to mediate its anti-stress effects, while vasopressin had no such impact.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6729832/.
Heinrichs, M., Baumgartner, T., Kirschbaum, C., & Ehlert, U. (2003). Social support and oxytocin interact to suppress cortisol and subjective responses to psychosocial stress. Biological psychiatry, 54(12), 1389–1398. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0006-3223(03)00465-7.View Summary –Social support and oxytocin interact to suppress cortisol and subjective responses to psychosocial stressThis study found that social support and oxytocin both reduce stress responses in humans. In a stress test, men who received social support or oxytocin had lower cortisol levels and less anxiety. The combination of oxytocin and social support provided the greatest stress reduction, suggesting that oxytocin enhances the calming effects of social interactions, supporting its role in stress protection.You can read the abstract of the article at https://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(03)00465-7/abstract.
Windle, R. J., Shanks, N., Lightman, S. L., & Ingram, C. D. (1997). Central oxytocin administration reduces stress-induced corticosterone release and anxiety behavior in rats. Endocrinology, 138(7), 2829–2834. https://doi.org/10.1210/endo.138.7.5255.View Summary –Central oxytocin administration reduces stress-induced corticosterone release and anxiety behavior in ratsThis study found that central oxytocin infusions in estradiol-treated female rats reduced both stress-induced corticosterone levels and anxiety-related behaviors in response to noise stress. Oxytocin also lessened anxiety in mildly stressed rats during an elevated plus-maze test. These results suggest that oxytocin has a central anxiolytic effect, moderating both hormonal and behavioral stress responses.You can read the abstract of the article at https://academic.oup.com/endo/article-abstract/138/7/2829/2988162?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false.
Engert, V., Koester, A. M., Riepenhausen, A., & Singer, T. (2016). Boosting recovery rather than buffering reactivity: Higher stress-induced oxytocin secretion is associated with increased cortisol reactivity and faster vagal recovery after acute psychosocial stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 74, 111–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.08.029.View Summary –Boosting recovery rather than buffering reactivity: Higher stress-induced oxytocin secretion is associated with increased cortisol reactivity and faster vagal recovery after acute psychosocial stressThis study found that oxytocin levels increased by 51% following psychosocial stress, but higher oxytocin secretion was associated with greater cortisol reactivity initially. However, in the recovery phase, higher oxytocin levels were linked to faster vagal recovery, suggesting that oxytocin’s stress-reducing effects emerge later, helping enhance recovery rather than buffering immediate stress reactivity, potentially protecting against long-term stress-related health effects.You can read the full article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306453016306266?via%3Dihub.
Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Handlin, L., & Petersson, M. (2015). Self-soothing behaviors with particular reference to oxytocin release induced by non-noxious sensory stimulation. Frontiers in psychology, 5, 1529. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01529.View Summary –Self-soothing behaviors with particular reference to oxytocin release induced by non-noxious sensory stimulationOxytocin, a neuropeptide associated with social interaction and well-being, is released through sensory stimulation during activities like touch, breastfeeding, labor, and sexual activity. This release promotes stress reduction and health benefits, contributing to everyday well-being. Oxytocin is triggered not only during mother-infant bonding but also in adult interactions and even between humans and animals. Its release, particularly through gentle skin stimulation, plays a crucial role in managing stress and promoting a sense of well-being.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4290532/.
Maier, A., Scheele, D., Spengler, F. B., Menba, T., Mohr, F., Güntürkün, O., Stoffel-Wagner, B., Kinfe, T. M., Maier, W., Khalsa, S. S., & Hurlemann, R. (2019). Oxytocin reduces a chemosensory-induced stress bias in social perception. Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 44(2), 281–288. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-018-0063-3.View Summary –Oxytocin reduces a chemosensory-induced stress bias in social perceptionThis study shows that oxytocin (OXT) reduces behavioral and neural responses to chemosensory stress signals, such as stress-related sweat odors, in humans. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled MRI study, it was found that OXT diminished fear recognition biases and reduced stress-induced activation in brain regions like the amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and hippocampus. Additionally, OXT restored functional connectivity between the ACC and fusiform face area, suggesting its role in modulating stress communication by enhancing top-down control over stress-related emotional responses.You can read the full article at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-018-0063-3.
Eckstein, M., Scheele, D., Weber, K., Stoffel-Wagner, B., Maier, W., & Hurlemann, R. (2014). Oxytocin facilitates the sensation of social stress. Human brain mapping, 35(9), 4741–4750. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbm.22508.View Summary –Oxytocin facilitates the sensation of social stressThis study found that while oxytocin (OXT) is generally linked to stress relief, it can also heighten perceived social stress. In 60 men exposed to social stress, those who received OXT reported feeling more stressed, despite unchanged cortisol levels. Brain scans showed increased activity in regions tied to self-referential processing, suggesting OXT may enhance awareness of social stress without altering physiological stress markers.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6869318/.
Parker, K. J., Buckmaster, C. L., Schatzberg, A. F., & Lyons, D. M. (2005). Intranasal oxytocin administration attenuates the ACTH stress response in monkeys. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 30(9), 924–929. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2005.04.002.View Summary –Intranasal oxytocin administration attenuates the ACTH stress response in monkeysThis study explored the effects of chronic intranasal oxytocin (OT) administration on stress-induced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation in female monkeys. Monkeys treated with OT had lower levels of ACTH, a stress-related hormone, after social isolation, suggesting an anti-stress effect. However, cortisol levels were not affected by OT, indicating its effect might not directly involve the adrenal stress response. These findings offer potential for OT in developing treatments for stress-related psychiatric disorders.You can read the full article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030645300500082X.
Light, K. C., Smith, T. E., Johns, J. M., Brownley, K. A., Hofheimer, J. A., & Amico, J. A. (2000). Oxytocin responsivity in mothers of infants: a preliminary study of relationships with blood pressure during laboratory stress and normal ambulatory activity. Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association, 19(6), 560–567. https://doi.org/10.1037//0278-6133.19.6.560.View Summary –Oxytocin responsivity in mothers of infants: a preliminary study of relationships with blood pressure during laboratory stress and normal ambulatory activityThis study examined the effects of oxytocin (OT) on blood pressure (BP) and stress in breastfeeding and bottle-feeding mothers. Mothers with increased OT, mostly breastfeeders, had lower BP during stress and after baby feeding, while those with decreased OT had higher BP and stress reactivity. The findings suggest OT has antistress and BP-lowering effects in humans.You can read the abstract of the article at https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2000-16348-008.
Kirsch, P., Esslinger, C., Chen, Q., Mier, D., Lis, S., Siddhanti, S., Gruppe, H., Mattay, V. S., Gallhofer, B., & Meyer-Lindenberg, A. (2005). Oxytocin modulates neural circuitry for social cognition and fear in humans. The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience, 25(49), 11489–11493. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3984-05.2005.View Summary –Oxytocin modulates neural circuitry for social cognition and fear in humansIn non-human mammals, oxytocin plays a key role in social behaviors, reducing anxiety and influencing fear conditioning. This study showed that in humans, oxytocin also modulates amygdala activity, decreasing its response to fear-inducing stimuli and reducing its connection to brain regions involved in fear responses. These findings suggest a neural mechanism for oxytocin’s effects on social cognition, with potential implications for treating disorders like social phobia and autism.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6725903/.
Domes, G., Heinrichs, M., Gläscher, J., Büchel, C., Braus, D. F., & Herpertz, S. C. (2007). Oxytocin attenuates amygdala responses to emotional faces regardless of valence. Biological psychiatry, 62(10), 1187–1190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2007.03.025.View Summary –Oxytocin attenuates amygdala responses to emotional faces regardless of valenceOxytocin reduces amygdala activity in response to both positive and negative facial expressions, potentially lowering social anxiety and facilitating approach behaviors by diminishing uncertainty about social cues.You can read the abstract of the article at https://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(07)00319-8/abstract.
Petrovic, P., Kalisch, R., Singer, T., & Dolan, R. J. (2008). Oxytocin attenuates affective evaluations of conditioned faces and amygdala activity. The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience, 28(26), 6607–6615. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4572-07.2008.View Summary –Oxytocin attenuates affective evaluations of conditioned faces and amygdala activityOxytocin reduces negative affective ratings of faces conditioned with aversive experiences and decreases related brain activity in regions like the amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex, particularly for socially relevant cues such as direct gaze, suggesting its role in enhancing prosocial behavior.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2647078/.
Baumgartner, T., Heinrichs, M., Vonlanthen, A., Fischbacher, U., & Fehr, E. (2008). Oxytocin shapes the neural circuitry of trust and trust adaptation in humans. Neuron, 58(4), 639–650. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2008.04.009.View Summary –Oxytocin shapes the neural circuitry of trust and trust adaptation in humansOxytocin enhances trust in humans, even after trust is repeatedly betrayed, unlike placebo subjects who reduce trust. This sustained trust is linked to reduced activity in brain regions involved in fear and behavioral adaptation, such as the amygdala, midbrain, and dorsal striatum, suggesting oxytocin’s role in modulating trust and its potential relevance for social disorders like phobia and autism.You can read the full article at https://www.cell.com/neuron/fulltext/S0896-6273(08)00327-9?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0896627308003279%3Fshowall%3Dtrue.
Uvnas-Moberg, K., & Petersson, M. (2005). Oxytocin, ein Vermittler von Antistress, Wohlbefinden, sozialer Interaktion, Wachstum und Heilung [Oxytocin, a mediator of anti-stress, well-being, social interaction, growth and healing]. Zeitschrift fur Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, 51(1), 57–80. https://doi.org/10.13109/zptm.2005.51.1.57.View Summary –[Oxytocin, a mediator of anti-stress, well-being, social interaction, growth and healing]Oxytocin, a neuropeptide initially known for its role in labor and milk ejection, also has significant anti-stress effects, such as reducing blood pressure and cortisol, increasing pain thresholds, and promoting social interactions, growth, and healing. It can be released by sensory stimulation (e.g., touch, warmth) and psychological mechanisms, suggesting that positive interactions and environments may promote health. These effects also underpin the benefits of psychotherapy that involves support and empathy, contributing to its therapeutic outcomes.You can read the abstract of the article at https://www.vr-elibrary.de/doi/10.13109/zptm.2005.51.1.57?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub++0pubmed.
Ayers, L. W., Missig, G., Schulkin, J., & Rosen, J. B. (2011). Oxytocin reduces background anxiety in a fear-potentiated startle paradigm: peripheral vs central administration. Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 36(12), 2488–2497. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2011.138.View Summary –Oxytocin reduces background anxiety in a fear-potentiated startle paradigm: peripheral vs central administrationOxytocin effectively reduces background anxiety, a generalized anxious state not tied to specific cues, when administered peripherally but not when administered directly to the brain in rats. This suggests that systemic oxytocin may help alleviate hypervigilance and exaggerated startle responses, which are common symptoms in anxiety and related mental health disorders.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3194076/.
Blume, A., Bosch, O. J., Miklos, S., Torner, L., Wales, L., Waldherr, M., & Neumann, I. D. (2008). Oxytocin reduces anxiety via ERK1/2 activation: local effect within the rat hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. The European journal of neuroscience, 27(8), 1947–1956. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-9568.2008.06184.x.View Summary –Oxytocin reduces anxiety via ERK1/2 activation: local effect within the rat hypothalamic paraventricular nucleusOxytocin reduces anxiety by activating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway in the hypothalamus, specifically within the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). This effect is blocked when the MAP kinase cascade is inhibited, suggesting oxytocin’s anxiolytic effects involve this pathway and could inform therapies for emotional and social disorders.You can read the abstract of the article at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1460-9568.2008.06184.x.
Labuschagne, I., Phan, K. L., Wood, A., Angstadt, M., Chua, P., Heinrichs, M., Stout, J. C., & Nathan, P. J. (2010). Oxytocin attenuates amygdala reactivity to fear in generalized social anxiety disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 35(12), 2403–2413. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2010.123.View Summary –Oxytocin attenuates amygdala reactivity to fear in generalized social anxiety disorderOxytocin reduces exaggerated amygdala reactivity to fearful faces in patients with generalized social anxiety disorder (GSAD), normalizing their response to threat cues, while having no effect on amygdala activity in healthy controls, indicating a targeted anxiolytic effect in individuals with heightened fear processing.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3055328/.
László, K., Kiss, O., Vörös, D., Mintál, K., Ollmann, T., Péczely, L., Kovács, A., Zagoracz, O., Kertes, E., Kállai, V., László, B., Hormay, E., Berta, B., Tóth, A., Karádi, Z., & Lénárd, L. (2022). Intraamygdaloid Oxytocin Reduces Anxiety in the Valproate-Induced Autism Rat Model. Biomedicines, 10(2), 405. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10020405.View Summary –Intraamygdaloid Oxytocin Reduces Anxiety in the Valproate-Induced Autism Rat ModelOxytocin administration directly into the amygdala significantly reduced anxiety behaviors in an autism model in rats, normalizing their behavior to that of healthy controls, suggesting oxytocin’s potential as an anxiolytic treatment for autism-related anxiety.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8962302/.
La Fratta, I., Franceschelli, S., Speranza, L., Patruno, A., Michetti, C., D’Ercole, P., Ballerini, P., Grilli, A., & Pesce, M. (2021). Salivary oxytocin, cognitive anxiety and self-confidence in pre-competition athletes. Scientific reports, 11(1), 16877. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-96392-7.View Summary –Salivary oxytocin, cognitive anxiety and self-confidence in pre-competition athletesIn young male soccer players, winners showed higher oxytocin, lower cortisol, and reduced cognitive anxiety compared to losers, highlighting associations between oxytocin, cortisol, anxiety, and competitive outcomes.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8376920/.
Lebowitz, E. R., Leckman, J. F., Feldman, R., Zagoory-Sharon, O., McDonald, N., & Silverman, W. K. (2016). Salivary oxytocin in clinically anxious youth: Associations with separation anxiety and family accommodation. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 65, 35–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.12.007.View Summary –Salivary oxytocin in clinically anxious youth: Associations with separation anxiety and family accommodationLower salivary oxytocin levels in youth with separation anxiety disorder correlate with greater symptoms, anxious behaviors with mothers, and increased family accommodation, suggesting oxytocin’s role in youth anxiety and the interpersonal dynamics of separation anxiety.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4895196/.
Han, R. T., Kim, Y. B., Park, E. H., Kim, J. Y., Ryu, C., Kim, H. Y., Lee, J., Pahk, K., Shanyu, C., Kim, H., Back, S. K., Kim, H. J., Kim, Y. I., & Na, H. S. (2018). Long-Term Isolation Elicits Depression and Anxiety-Related Behaviors by Reducing Oxytocin-Induced GABAergic Transmission in Central Amygdala. Frontiers in molecular neuroscience, 11, 246. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnmol.2018.00246.View Summary –Long-Term Isolation Elicits Depression and Anxiety-Related Behaviors by Reducing Oxytocin-Induced GABAergic Transmission in Central AmygdalaLong-term isolation in mice decreases oxytocin receptor expression and oxytocin-driven inhibitory signaling in the central amygdala, which may lead to increased amygdala activity and the development of depression- and anxiety-like behaviors.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6104450/.
Alvares, G. A., Chen, N. T., Balleine, B. W., Hickie, I. B., & Guastella, A. J. (2012). Oxytocin selectively moderates negative cognitive appraisals in high trait anxious males. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 37(12), 2022–2031. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2012.04.018.View Summary –Oxytocin selectively moderates negative cognitive appraisals in high trait anxious malesThis study suggests that oxytocin may reduce negative self-appraisals in high-anxiety individuals following social stress, indicating its potential role in alleviating negative cognitive responses to stress among anxious individuals.You can read the full article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306453012001680?via%3Dihub.
Chen, X., Hackett, P. D., DeMarco, A. C., Feng, C., Stair, S., Haroon, E., Ditzen, B., Pagnoni, G., & Rilling, J. K. (2016). Effects of oxytocin and vasopressin on the neural response to unreciprocated cooperation within brain regions involved in stress and anxiety in men and women. Brain imaging and behavior, 10(2), 581–593. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11682-015-9411-7.View Summary –Effects of oxytocin and vasopressin on the neural response to unreciprocated cooperation within brain regions involved in stress and anxiety in men and womenThis study indicates that oxytocin (OT) may reduce stress from negative social interactions in men by lowering amygdala and anterior insula activity, suggesting its potential as a treatment for anxiety disorders, though similar effects were not observed in women during interactions with human partners.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4670292/.
Kudwa, A. E., McGivern, R. F., & Handa, R. J. (2014). Estrogen receptor β and oxytocin interact to modulate anxiety-like behavior and neuroendocrine stress reactivity in adult male and female rats. Physiology & behavior, 129, 287–296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.03.004.View Summary –Estrogen receptor β and oxytocin interact to modulate anxiety-like behavior and neuroendocrine stress reactivity in adult male and female ratsThis study demonstrates that activation of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) reduces anxiety-like behaviors and stress hormone levels in rats, likely through its interaction with oxytocin pathways in the hypothalamus, as shown by the blocking effect of an oxytocin antagonist on these outcomes.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5802969/.
Naja, W. J., & Aoun, M. P. (2017). Oxytocin and Anxiety Disorders: Translational and Therapeutic Aspects. Current psychiatry reports, 19(10), 67. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0819-1.View Summary –Oxytocin and Anxiety Disorders: Translational and Therapeutic AspectsRecent research suggests that the oxytocin (OXT) system plays a significant role in human anxiety and may serve as a target for new anxiety treatments, especially for anxiety disorders with social-emotional components; however, moderators like sex and context may influence its anxiolytic effects.You can read the abstract of the article at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11920-017-0819-1.
Thornton, J. L., Everett, N. A., Webb, P., Turner, A. J., Cornish, J. L., & Baracz, S. J. (2021). Adolescent oxytocin administration reduces depression-like behaviour induced by early life stress in adult male and female rats. Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry, 110, 110279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110279.View Summary –Adolescent oxytocin administration reduces depression-like behaviour induced by early life stress in adult male and female ratsEarly life stress (ELS) heightens the risk for adult depression, but no approved therapies exist to prevent this. A study found that oxytocin (OT) treatment during adolescence prevented ELS-induced depressive behaviors in both male and female rats, suggesting OT’s potential as a preventative therapy against ELS-related mental health issues.You can read the full article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278584621000385?via%3Dihub.
Takács, L., Seidlerová, J. M., Štěrbová, Z., Čepický, P., & Havlíček, J. (2019). The effects of intrapartum synthetic oxytocin on maternal postpartum mood: findings from a prospective observational study. Archives of women’s mental health, 22(4), 485–491. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-018-0913-3.View Summary –The effects of intrapartum synthetic oxytocin on maternal postpartum mood: findings from a prospective observational studyPostpartum depression (PPD) affects many mothers, but synthetic oxytocin (synOT) given during labor may reduce PPD risk weeks after childbirth, though it has no immediate effect on maternal mood. Key PPD risk factors include a history of depression and negative childbirth experiences.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6647378/.
Lin, Y. T., & Hsu, K. S. (2018). c. Progress in neurobiology, 171, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.10.003.View Summary –Oxytocin receptor signaling in the hippocampus: Role in regulating neuronal excitability, network oscillatory activity, synaptic plasticity and social memoryOxytocin (OXT), beyond reproduction, plays a critical role in social and nonsocial behaviors through hippocampal OXT receptors (OXTR). Recent research highlights hippocampal OXTR’s influence on neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and social recognition memory, with potential implications for treating social cognition deficits in neuropsychiatric disorders.You can read the full article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030100821830100X?via%3Dihub.
Wirth M. M. (2015). Hormones, stress, and cognition: The effects of glucocorticoids and oxytocin on memory. Adaptive human behavior and physiology, 1(2), 177–201. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40750-014-0010-4.View Summary –Hormones, stress, and cognition: The effects of glucocorticoids and oxytocin on memoryHormones like glucocorticoids and oxytocin impact memory processes, with effects varying by hormone type, dose, memory stage, and context. Glucocorticoids influence long-term memory and working memory, especially under emotional conditions, while oxytocin may affect social cognition through broader cognitive processes. This review also explores potential evolutionary roles of these hormone-memory interactions.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4399826/.
Mitre, M., Minder, J., Morina, E. X., Chao, M. V., & Froemke, R. C. (2018). Oxytocin Modulation of Neural Circuits. Current topics in behavioral neurosciences, 35, 31–53. https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2017_7.View Summary –Oxytocin Modulation of Neural CircuitsOriginally known for its role in childbirth and lactation, oxytocin is now recognized for its impact on social behavior, acting through networks in the cortex. This chapter reviews the oxytocinergic system’s role in brain development, social cognition, and sensory processing, highlighting its function as a neuromodulator that influences synaptic transmission and brain plasticity across different life stages.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5834368/.
Ferguson, J. N., Young, L. J., Hearn, E. F., Matzuk, M. M., Insel, T. R., & Winslow, J. T. (2000). Social amnesia in mice lacking the oxytocin gene. Nature genetics, 25(3), 284–288. https://doi.org/10.1038/77040.View Summary –Social amnesia in mice lacking the oxytocin geneSocial familiarity in rodents, driven mainly by olfactory cues, is crucial for social memory, which oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) modulate. Male mice lacking the oxytocin gene (Oxt-/-) fail to form social memory, though they show normal recognition of non-social stimuli and spatial memory. OT treatment restores social memory in these mutants, while OT antagonists impair it in normal mice, underscoring OT’s essential role in social memory, separate from other memory forms.You can read the full article at https://www.nature.com/articles/ng0700_284.
Caldwell, H. K., Aulino, E. A., Freeman, A. R., Miller, T. V., & Witchey, S. K. (2017). Oxytocin and behavior: Lessons from knockout mice. Developmental neurobiology, 77(2), 190–201. https://doi.org/10.1002/dneu.22431.View Summary –Oxytocin and behavior: Lessons from knockout miceOxytocin and behavior: Lessons from knockout miceOxytocin (Oxt) has been crucial in understanding the neural basis of various mammalian behaviors. Research using genetically modified mice lacking Oxt or its receptor has clarified Oxt’s role in behaviors such as social recognition, maternal care, aggression, and certain nonsocial behaviors, laying groundwork for broader insights into Oxt’s behavioral effects across species.You can read the abstract of the article at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/dneu.22431.
Winslow, J. T., & Insel, T. R. (2002). The social deficits of the oxytocin knockout mouse. Neuropeptides, 36(2-3), 221–229. https://doi.org/10.1054/npep.2002.0909.View Summary –The social deficits of the oxytocin knockout mouseOxytocin knockout (OTKO) mice reveal oxytocin’s (OT) selective impact on social cognition and behavior, showing that while OT is not essential for sexual or maternal behavior in mice, it is crucial for social recognition and aggression regulation. OTKO mice exhibit impaired social memory despite normal olfactory and nonsocial memory, suggesting OT’s specific role in social cognition, which can be restored with OT administration to the amygdala. These findings offer insights into social cognitive disorders, such as autism and reactive attachment disorder.You can read the abstract of the article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0143417902909091?via%3Dihub.
Abramova, O., Zorkina, Y., Ushakova, V., Zubkov, E., Morozova, A., & Chekhonin, V. (2020). The role of oxytocin and vasopressin dysfunction in cognitive impairment and mental disorders. Neuropeptides, 83, 102079. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.npep.2020.102079.View Summary –The role of oxytocin and vasopressin dysfunction in cognitive impairment and mental disordersOxytocin (OXT) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) not only regulate social behavior and emotions but also play roles in cognitive functions, such as social, working, spatial, and episodic memory, through brain regions like the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex. Polymorphisms in the OXT receptor and OXT knockouts in mice are linked to memory deficits, and imbalances in OXT/AVP systems, often induced by stress, are associated with mental disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, and autism. The review highlights potential therapeutic uses of OXT and AVP in treating these cognitive and mental health challenges.You can read the full article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0143417920300974?via%3Dihub.
Rimmele, U., Hediger, K., Heinrichs, M., & Klaver, P. (2009). Oxytocin makes a face in memory familiar. The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience, 29(1), 38–42. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4260-08.2009.View Summary –Oxytocin makes a face in memory familiarOxytocin, when administered intranasally, enhances recognition memory specifically for faces in humans, improving accuracy in identifying previously seen faces without affecting the recall ability, suggesting a targeted effect on social memory pathways.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6664913/.
Shahrestani, S., Kemp, A. H., & Guastella, A. J. (2013). The impact of a single administration of intranasal oxytocin on the recognition of basic emotions in humans: a meta-analysis. Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 38(10), 1929–1936. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2013.86.View Summary –The impact of a single administration of intranasal oxytocin on the recognition of basic emotions in humans: a meta-analysisOxytocin administration enhances overall facial emotion recognition, particularly for happy and fearful expressions, with effects varying by exposure time—showing stronger results in early-phase recognition for happy and angry faces and in later-phase for fear. This suggests oxytocin’s potential to improve social cognition by aiding the understanding of others’ emotional states.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3746698/.
Lopatina, O. L., Komleva, Y. K., Gorina, Y. V., Higashida, H., & Salmina, A. B. (2018). Neurobiological Aspects of Face Recognition: The Role of Oxytocin. Frontiers in behavioral neuroscience, 12, 195. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00195.View Summary –Neurobiological Aspects of Face Recognition: The Role of OxytocinOxytocin administration enhances overall facial emotion recognition, particularly for happy and fearful expressions, with effects varying by exposure time—showing stronger results in early-phase recognition for happy and angry faces and in later-phase for fear. This suggests oxytocin’s potential to improve social cognition by aiding the understanding of others’ emotional states.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6121008/.
Guastella, A. J., Mitchell, P. B., & Mathews, F. (2008). Oxytocin enhances the encoding of positive social memories in humans. Biological psychiatry, 64(3), 256–258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2008.02.008.View Summary –Oxytocin enhances the encoding of positive social memories in humansOxytocin administration in men enhances the encoding and recall of previously seen happy faces over angry or neutral faces, suggesting that oxytocin strengthens positive social memory, potentially facilitating social bonding and approach behaviors.You can read the full article at https://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(08)00188-1/fulltext.
Domes, G., Heinrichs, M., Michel, A., Berger, C., & Herpertz, S. C. (2007). Oxytocin improves “mind-reading” in humans. Biological psychiatry, 61(6), 731–733. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.07.015.View Summary –Oxytocin improves “mind-reading” in humansOxytocin enhances the ability to interpret others’ mental states from eye-based social cues, particularly in challenging scenarios, suggesting its potential relevance for addressing social impairments seen in autism spectrum disorders.You can read the abstract of the article at https://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(06)00939-5/abstract.
Wagner, U., & Echterhoff, G. (2018). When Does Oxytocin Affect Human Memory Encoding? The Role of Social Context and Individual Attachment Style. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 12, 349. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2018.00349.View Summary –When Does Oxytocin Affect Human Memory Encoding? The Role of Social Context and Individual Attachment StyleOxytocin influences memory encoding in humans, with effects moderated by attachment style rather than social context. Specifically, it enhances memory accuracy for individuals uncomfortable with dependence but impairs it for those comfortable with dependence. Regardless of context or personality, oxytocin increased false alarms and showed a trend toward higher memory recall, indicating its complex role in memory and social cognition.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6158322/.
Plessow, F., Marengi, D. A., Perry, S. K., & Lawson, E. A. (2021). Oxytocin Administration Increases Proactive Control in Men with Overweight or Obesity: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study. Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.), 29(1), 56–61. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.23010.View Summary –Oxytocin Administration Increases Proactive Control in Men with Overweight or Obesity: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover StudyOxytocin administration in individuals with overweight or obesity enhances cognitive control by increasing response times and reducing impulsive errors in behavioral tasks, suggesting that oxytocin may improve impulse regulation, a potential mechanism for its appetite-suppressing effects.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6158322/.
Intranasal Oxytocin Attenuates Cognitive Impairment, β-Amyloid Burden and Tau Deposition iEl-Ganainy, S. O., Soliman, O. A., Ghazy, A. A., Allam, M., Elbahnasi, A. I., Mansour, A. M., & Gowayed, M. A. (2022). Intranasal Oxytocin Attenuates Cognitive Impairment, β-Amyloid Burden and Tau Deposition in Female Rats with Alzheimer’s Disease: Interplay of ERK1/2/GSK3β/Caspase-3. Neurochemical research, 47(8), 2345–2356. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11064-022-03624-x.View Summary –Intranasal Oxytocin Attenuates Cognitive Impairment, β-Amyloid Burden and Tau Deposition in Female Rats with Alzheimer’s Disease: Interplay of ERK1/2/GSK3β/Caspase-3Oxytocin shows potential as a neuroprotective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, as it improved memory, reduced key AD markers like β-amyloid and Tau proteins, and decreased neuronal death in an animal model, with effects that surpassed or complemented those of the standard drug galantamine.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9352611/.
Huber, D., Veinante, P., & Stoop, R. (2005). Vasopressin and oxytocin excite distinct neuronal populations in the central amygdala. Science (New York, N.Y.), 308(5719), 245–248. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1105636.View Summary –Vasopressin and oxytocin excite distinct neuronal populations in the central amygdalaVasopressin and oxytocin influence autonomic fear responses by activating distinct neuronal groups within the central amygdala’s inhibitory network, modulating excitatory signals differently and potentially regulating fear response expression via receptor activation.You can read the abstract of the article at https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn1694.
Landgraf, R., & Neumann, I. D. (2004). Vasopressin and oxytocin release within the brain: a dynamic concept of multiple and variable modes of neuropeptide communication. Frontiers in neuroendocrinology, 25(3-4), 150–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yfrne.2004.05.001.View Summary –Vasopressin and oxytocin release within the brain: a dynamic concept of multiple and variable modes of neuropeptide communication Neuropeptides like vasopressin and oxytocin are released from multiple neuronal sites within the brain, enabling diverse and flexible signaling patterns through both diffuse and focal release. This dynamic release mechanism modulates brain communication, impacting behavior, neuroendocrine functions, and potentially psychopathology by triggering varied receptor-mediated effects in the brain’s extracellular fluid.You can read the full article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091302204000056?via%3Dihub.
Andari, E., Duhamel, J. R., Zalla, T., Herbrecht, E., Leboyer, M., & Sirigu, A. (2010). Promoting social behavior with oxytocin in high-functioning autism spectrum disorders. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 107(9), 4389–4394. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0910249107.View Summary –Promoting social behavior with oxytocin in high-functioning autism spectrum disordersOxytocin administration in individuals with high-functioning autism improved social engagement by enhancing interactions with cooperative partners, increasing trust, and focusing gaze on the eye region of faces, suggesting its therapeutic potential for addressing social deficits in autism.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2840168/.
Kosaka, H., Munesue, T., Ishitobi, M., Asano, M., Omori, M., Sato, M., Tomoda, A., & Wada, Y. (2012). Long-term oxytocin administration improves social behaviors in a girl with autistic disorder. BMC psychiatry, 12, 110. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-12-110.View Summary –Long-term oxytocin administration improves social behaviors in a girl with autistic disorderA 16-year-old girl with autism spectrum disorder showed significant improvement in social interactions, communication, and behavior after two months of long-term oxytocin nasal spray treatment, suggesting it as a promising and well-tolerated option for addressing social impairments in autism.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3466125/.
Voncken, M. J., Dijk, C., Stöhr, F., Niesten, I. J. M., Schruers, K., & Kuypers, K. P. C. (2021). The effect of intranasally administered oxytocin on observed social behavior in social anxiety disorder. European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 53, 25–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.07.005.View Summary –The effect of intranasally administered oxytocin on observed social behavior in social anxiety disorderThis study found that intranasal oxytocin influenced social learning in high and low socially anxious individuals, with effects varying by anxiety level, sex, and emotional valence. High socially anxious individuals reported greater sympathy and showed increased insula activation under oxytocin, especially in men. These results suggest that oxytocin impacts emotional learning beyond amygdala-centered models, highlighting the insula’s role, and may open new treatment possibilities combining oxytocin and neurofeedback tailored by sex and anxiety level.You can read the full article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0028390824000996?via%3Dihub.
Preti, A., Melis, M., Siddi, S., Vellante, M., Doneddu, G., & Fadda, R. (2014). Oxytocin and autism: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology, 24(2), 54–68. https://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2013.0040.View Summary –Oxytocin and autism: a systematic review of randomized controlled trialsThis review of seven randomized controlled trials on oxytocin interventions in autism suggests promising improvements in emotion recognition and eye gaze, though most studies had small samples and moderate bias. While oxytocin was generally well tolerated, mild side effects like restlessness were more frequent. Larger, more rigorous studies with diverse participants are needed to confirm effectiveness and establish long-term safety before making clinical recommendations.You can read the abstract of the article at https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/cap.2013.0040?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub++0pubmed.
Parker, K. J., Oztan, O., Libove, R. A., Sumiyoshi, R. D., Jackson, L. P., Karhson, D. S., Summers, J. E., Hinman, K. E., Motonaga, K. S., Phillips, J. M., Carson, D. S., Garner, J. P., & Hardan, A. Y. (2017). Intranasal oxytocin treatment for social deficits and biomarkers of response in children with autism. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 114(30), 8119–8124. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1705521114.View Summary –Intranasal oxytocin treatment for social deficits and biomarkers of response in children with autismThis study found that intranasal oxytocin treatment significantly improved social abilities in children with autism, particularly for those with lower initial oxytocin levels, suggesting oxytocin as a potential treatment targeting core social deficits in ASD. Oxytocin was well tolerated and specifically improved social functioning, with no effect on repetitive behaviors or anxiety. Some placebo participants also showed social improvements, possibly linked to increased endogenous oxytocin levels.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5544319/.
Campbell, A., Ruffman, T., Murray, J. E., & Glue, P. (2014). Oxytocin improves emotion recognition for older males. Neurobiology of aging, 35(10), 2246–2248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.04.021.View Summary –Oxytocin improves emotion recognition for older males. Neurobiology of agingThis study found that oxytocin improved emotion recognition in older men, who generally have lower natural oxytocin levels and more difficulty recognizing emotions, while having no effect on older women or young adults, suggesting oxytocin’s potential to enhance emotion processing in those with lower baseline recognition abilities.You can read the abstract of the article at https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0197-4580(14)00323-6.
Palgi, S., Klein, E., & Shamay-Tsoory, S. G. (2016). Oxytocin improves compassion toward women among patients with PTSD. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 64, 143–149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.11.008.View Summary –Oxytocin improves compassion toward women among patients with PTSDThis study found that individuals with PTSD show compassion deficits, particularly linked to emotional numbing symptoms, and that a single dose of oxytocin increased compassion toward women in both PTSD patients and healthy controls, suggesting oxytocin’s potential as a treatment to improve social functioning in PTSD.You can read the full article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306453015300081?via%3Dihub.
Fragkaki, I., & Cima, M. (2019). The effect of oxytocin administration on empathy and emotion recognition in residential youth: A randomized, within-subjects trial. Hormones and behavior, 114, 104561. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104561.View Summary –The effect of oxytocin administration on empathy and emotion recognition in residential youth: A randomized, within-subjects trialA study on intranasal oxytocin (OT-IN) in 100 male adolescents in youth care facilities found that OT-IN increased empathy, especially in those with high callous-unemotional traits, and improved fear recognition accuracy, though it had no effect on general emotion recognition. Trauma and dissociation did not alter these effects. The findings suggest OT-IN, combined with psychological interventions, could offer a promising approach for enhancing social-affective skills in youth with severe impairments.You can read the full article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0018506X19301102?via%3Dihub.
Gibson, C. M., Penn, D. L., Smedley, K. L., Leserman, J., Elliott, T., & Pedersen, C. A. (2014). A pilot six-week randomized controlled trial of oxytocin on social cognition and social skills in schizophrenia. Schizophrenia research, 156(2-3), 261–265. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.schres.2014.04.009.View Summary –A pilot six-week randomized controlled trial of oxytocin on social cognition and social skills in schizophreniaThis study found that six weeks of intranasal oxytocin in individuals with schizophrenia improved fear recognition, perspective taking, and reduced negative symptoms, suggesting oxytocin could enhance social cognition and social skills in schizophrenia, with potential therapeutic implications for social functioning.You can read the full article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0920996414001674?via%3Dihub.
Auyeung, B., Lombardo, M. V., Heinrichs, M., Chakrabarti, B., Sule, A., Deakin, J. B., Bethlehem, R. A., Dickens, L., Mooney, N., Sipple, J. A., Thiemann, P., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2015). Oxytocin increases eye contact during a real-time, naturalistic social interaction in males with and without autism. Translational psychiatry, 5(2), e507. https://doi.org/10.1038/tp.2014.146.View Summary –Oxytocin increases eye contact during a real-time, naturalistic social interaction in males with and without autismThis study found that intranasal oxytocin improved eye contact in real-time social interactions for adults with autism, particularly enhancing gaze duration in those with lower baseline eye contact, suggesting oxytocin’s potential therapeutic role in improving social communication in autism.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4445747/.
Simpson, E. A., Sclafani, V., Paukner, A., Hamel, A. F., Novak, M. A., Meyer, J. S., Suomi, S. J., & Ferrari, P. F. (2014). Inhaled oxytocin increases positive social behaviors in newborn macaques. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 111(19), 6922–6927. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1402471111.View Summary –Inhaled oxytocin increases positive social behaviors in newborn macaquesThis study demonstrates that nebulized oxytocin enhances social behaviors, like facial gesturing and caregiver proximity, in newborn macaques, especially in those with strong early social skills, and reduces cortisol, suggesting anxiolytic effects and potential therapeutic value for infants at risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4024859/.
Stavropoulos, K. K., & Carver, L. J. (2013). Research review: Social motivation and oxytocin in autism–implications for joint attention development and intervention. Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines, 54(6), 603–618. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12061.View Summary –Research review: Social motivation and oxytocin in autism–implications for joint attention development and interventionThis review examines the social motivation hypothesis (SMH) in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), suggesting that individuals with ASD find social stimuli less rewarding, potentially due to oxytocin-related deficits. Evidence indicates that oxytocin administration can enhance social cognitive task performance and may support joint attention, a key area of social impairment in ASD. Integrating oxytocin with behavioral interventions could improve treatment outcomes and deepen understanding of social motivation deficits in ASD.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3663901/.
Jones, C., Barrera, I., Brothers, S., Ring, R., & Wahlestedt, C. (2017). Oxytocin and social functioning. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 19(2), 193–201. https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2017.19.2/cjones.View Summary –Oxytocin and social functioningSocial anxiety, characterized by persistent fear in social settings, remains inadequately treated in 30-40% of cases despite existing therapies. This review explores oxytocin as a potential treatment for social anxiety, noting its role in promoting prosocial behaviors and reducing anxiety in animal studies, while human studies show correlations between oxytocin levels and social anxiety. Oxytocin’s therapeutic potential may also extend to related social dysfunctions in conditions like autism, schizophrenia, and anorexia.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5573563/.
Andari, E., Duhamel, J. R., Zalla, T., Herbrecht, E., Leboyer, M., & Sirigu, A. (2010). Promoting social behavior with oxytocin in high-functioning autism spectrum disorders. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 107(9), 4389–4394. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0910249107.View Summary –Promoting social behavior with oxytocin in high-functioning autism spectrum disordersIndividuals with high-functioning autism or Asperger syndrome struggle with social interactions despite intact intellectual abilities. In a study involving 13 individuals with autism, oxytocin inhalation increased social engagement with cooperative partners, enhanced feelings of trust, and improved focus on the eye region in faces, indicating that oxytocin may help address core social deficits in autism.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2840168/.
Tauber, M., Boulanouar, K., Diene, G., Çabal-Berthoumieu, S., Ehlinger, V., Fichaux-Bourin, P., Molinas, C., Faye, S., Valette, M., Pourrinet, J., Cessans, C., Viaux-Sauvelon, S., Bascoul, C., Guedeney, A., Delhanty, P., Geenen, V., Martens, H., Muscatelli, F., Cohen, D., Consoli, A., … Salles, J. P. (2017). The Use of Oxytocin to Improve Feeding and Social Skills in Infants With Prader-Willi Syndrome. Pediatrics, 139(2), e20162976. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-2976.View Summary –The Use of Oxytocin to Improve Feeding and Social Skills in Infants With Prader-Willi SyndromeIn a study of 18 infants with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a 7-day course of intranasal oxytocin significantly improved feeding, social skills, and mother-infant interactions without adverse effects. Oxytocin increased ghrelin levels and enhanced brain connectivity, suggesting potential for early treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders with feeding difficulties.You can read the full article at https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/139/2/e20162976/60312/The-Use-of-Oxytocin-to-Improve-Feeding-and-Social?redirectedFrom=fulltext.
Gordon, I., Vander Wyk, B. C., Bennett, R. H., Cordeaux, C., Lucas, M. V., Eilbott, J. A., Zagoory-Sharon, O., Leckman, J. F., Feldman, R., & Pelphrey, K. A. (2013). Oxytocin enhances brain function in children with autism. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 110(52), 20953–20958. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1312857110.View Summary –Oxytocin enhances brain function in children with autismIntranasal oxytocin (OT) administration in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder increased brain activity in regions associated with social processing, such as the striatum, medial prefrontal cortex, and superior temporal sulcus, particularly during judgments of socially meaningful stimuli. This OT-induced brain response suggests enhanced salience and enjoyment of social cues, offering insights into how OT may improve social functioning in autism.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3876263/.
De Boer, M., Kokal, I., Blokpoel, M., Liu, R., Stolk, A., Roelofs, K., van Rooij, I., & Toni, I. (2017). Oxytocin modulates human communication by enhancing cognitive exploration. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 86, 64–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.09.010.View Summary –Oxytocin modulates human communication by enhancing cognitive explorationThis study found that oxytocin administration enhances the quality of non-verbal communicative signals and improves the ability to adjust those signals based on the addressee’s understanding, suggesting that oxytocin not only boosts prosocial behaviors but also promotes cognitive exploration in knowledge-sharing contexts.You can read the full article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306453017302391.
Gutkowska, J., Jankowski, M., Mukaddam-Daher, S., & McCann, S. M. (2000). Oxytocin is a cardiovascular hormone. Brazilian journal of medical and biological research = Revista brasileira de pesquisas medicas e biologicas, 33(6), 625–633. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0100-879×2000000600003.View Summary –Oxytocin is a cardiovascular hormoneOxytocin, originally known for its role in childbirth and lactation, is now recognized for broader functions, including cognitive, social, and cardiovascular regulation. Recent findings suggest oxytocin influences heart and vascular function by promoting atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) release, which aids in reducing blood volume and pressure. Additionally, the heart and major blood vessels contain oxytocin receptors and can produce oxytocin locally, implying potential roles in regulating heart rate and vascular tone.You can read the full article at https://www.scielo.br/j/bjmbr/a/VSLC3ZfLNSGTpPFLKhgBGsp/?lang=en.
Langesæter, E., Rosseland, L. A., & Stubhaug, A. (2011). Haemodynamic effects of oxytocin in women with severe preeclampsia. International journal of obstetric anesthesia, 20(1), 26–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijoa.2010.10.004.View Summary –Haemodynamic effects of oxytocin in women with severe preeclampsiaIn women with severe preeclampsia, an intravenous oxytocin bolus during caesarean section causes increased heart rate, decreased systemic vascular resistance, and reduced blood pressure, with some patients experiencing reduced cardiac output due to limited stroke volume increase. These effects, which are less predictable than in healthy pregnancies, suggest oxytocin should be administered cautiously in severe preeclampsia cases.You can read the abstract of the article at https://www.obstetanesthesia.com/article/S0959-289X(10)00164-0/abstract.
Jameson, H., Bateman, R., Byrne, P., Dyavanapalli, J., Wang, X., Jain, V., & Mendelowitz, D. (2016). Oxytocin neuron activation prevents hypertension that occurs with chronic intermittent hypoxia/hypercapnia in rats. American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology, 310(11), H1549–H1557. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpheart.00808.2015.View Summary –Oxytocin neuron activation prevents hypertension that occurs with chronic intermittent hypoxia/hypercapnia in ratsThis study finds that chronic activation of hypothalamic oxytocin (OXT) neurons restores diminished OXT release in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMNX) and prevents hypertension in an obstructive sleep apnea model, suggesting OXT’s potential as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular issues linked to sleep apnea.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4935509/.
Petersson, M., & Uvnäs-Moberg, K. (2007). Effects of an acute stressor on blood pressure and heart rate in rats pretreated with intracerebroventricular oxytocin injections. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 32(8-10), 959–965. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2007.06.015.View Summary –Effects of an acute stressor on blood pressure and heart rate in rats pretreated with intracerebroventricular oxytocin injectionsRepeated intracerebroventricular oxytocin administration in rats significantly lowers blood pressure without affecting heart rate, yet when exposed to an acute stressor, oxytocin-treated rats show increased blood pressure and heart rate, suggesting oxytocin’s potential to reduce basal blood pressure while enhancing cardiovascular response to stress.You can read the full article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306453007001667?via%3Dihub.
Petersson, M., Lundeberg, T., & Uvnäs-Moberg, K. (1999). Oxytocin enhances the effects of clonidine on blood pressure and locomotor activity in rats. Journal of the autonomic nervous system, 78(1), 49–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0165-1838(99)00061-2.View Summary –Oxytocin enhances the effects of clonidine on blood pressure and locomotor activity in ratsSubchronic oxytocin treatment in rats enhances the blood pressure-lowering and motor activity effects of the alpha 2-adrenoreceptor agonist clonidine, while reducing the blood pressure response to the alpha 2-adrenoreceptor antagonist idazoxan, suggesting that oxytocin’s effects on blood pressure and motor activity may involve modulation of alpha 2-adrenoreceptors.You can read the full article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165183899000612?via%3Dihub.
Petersson, M., Lundeberg, T., & Uvnäs-Moberg, K. (1999). Short-term increase and long-term decrease of blood pressure in response to oxytocin-potentiating effect of female steroid hormones. Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology, 33(1), 102–108. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005344-199901000-00015.View Summary –Short-term increase and long-term decrease of blood pressure in response to oxytocin-potentiating effect of female steroid hormonesOxytocin treatment has opposite effects on blood pressure depending on duration and hormonal status, with acute doses transiently raising blood pressure (more so during proestrus and estrus), while chronic treatment decreases it in both intact and ovariectomized female rats. The lasting blood pressure reduction, unaffected by an oxytocin antagonist, suggests that female sex hormones modulate oxytocin’s cardiovascular effects.You can read the full article at https://journals.lww.com/cardiovascularpharm/fulltext/1999/01000/short_term_increase_and_long_term_decrease_of.15.aspx.
Petersson, M., Alster, P., Lundeberg, T., & Uvnäs-Moberg, K. (1996). Oxytocin causes a long-term decrease of blood pressure in female and male rats. Physiology & behavior, 60(5), 1311–1315. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0031-9384(96)00261-2.View Summary –Oxytocin causes a long-term decrease of blood pressure in female and male ratsLong-term oxytocin treatment significantly lowers blood pressure in both male and female rats, without affecting heart rate. In males, blood pressure gradually returns to baseline within 10 days post-treatment, whereas females maintain the lowered blood pressure for a longer period. Both subcutaneous and intracerebroventricular injections of oxytocin yield this effect, supporting oxytocin’s potential for sustained blood pressure reduction.You can read the abstract of the article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031938496002612?via%3Dihub.
Uvnäs-Moberg K. (1998). Oxytocin may mediate the benefits of positive social interaction and emotions. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 23(8), 819–835. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0306-4530(98)00056-0.View Summary –Oxytocin may mediate the benefits of positive social interaction and emotionsOxytocin, released during breastfeeding and social interactions, induces potent antistress effects, reducing blood pressure, cortisol levels, and enhancing insulin and wound healing. These effects, lasting from weeks to several after oxytocin injections, involve increased activity of central alpha 2-adrenoceptors and potentially unidentified oxytocin receptors. Oxytocin’s influence may underlie health benefits associated with positive social interactions and alternative therapies like hypnosis and meditation, due to its capacity to become conditioned to psychological states.You can read the full article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306453098000560?via%3Dihub.
Petersson, M., Lundeberg, T., & Uvnäs-Moberg, K. (1997). Oxytocin decreases blood pressure in male but not in female spontaneously hypertensive rats. Journal of the autonomic nervous system, 66(1-2), 15–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0165-1838(97)00040-4.View Summary –Oxytocin decreases blood pressure in male but not in female spontaneously hypertensive ratsRepeated oxytocin injections in spontaneously hypertensive male rats significantly reduced blood pressure without affecting heart rate, with effects peaking after five days and partially persisting even after treatment ended, while female rats showed no such response.You can read the full article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165183897000404?via%3Dihub.
Jankowski, M., Broderick, T. L., & Gutkowska, J. (2020). The Role of Oxytocin in Cardiovascular Protection. Frontiers in psychology, 11, 2139. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02139.View Summary –The Role of Oxytocin in Cardiovascular ProtectionOxytocin offers cardioprotection by reducing inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress, enhancing glucose uptake, promoting angiogenesis, and protecting mitochondria; it activates key signaling pathways at reperfusion, suggesting potential for treating cardiovascular diseases.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7477297/.
Wasserman, A. H., Huang, A. R., Lewis-Israeli, Y. R., Dooley, M. D., Mitchell, A. L., Venkatesan, M., & Aguirre, A. (2022). Oxytocin promotes epicardial cell activation and heart regeneration after cardiac injury. Frontiers in cell and developmental biology, 10, 985298. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2022.985298.View Summary –Oxytocin promotes epicardial cell activation and heart regeneration after cardiac injuryOxytocin promotes heart regeneration by stimulating epicardial cell proliferation, EMT, and activation in both human stem cell models and zebrafish, with the TGF-β pathway as a primary mediator; this discovery highlights a brain-controlled, evolutionarily conserved mechanism with potential for cardiac injury treatment.You can read the full article at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9561106/.
Houshmand, F., Faghihi, M., & Zahediasl, S. (2009). Biphasic protective effect of oxytocin on cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury in anaesthetized rats. Peptides, 30(12), 2301–2308. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.peptides.2009.09.010.View Summary –Biphasic protective effect of oxytocin on cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury in anaesthetized ratsOxytocin shows dose-dependent cardioprotective effects in rats, reducing infarct size and cardiac injury markers (LDH and CK-MB) in ischemia/reperfusion injury without affecting blood pressure or heart rate; this effect is abolished by OT receptor blockade, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.You can read the full article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0196978109003684?via%3Dihub.
Ondrejcakova, M., Ravingerova, T., Bakos, J., Pancza, D., & Jezova, D. (2009). Oxytocin exerts protective effects on in vitro myocardial injury induced by ischemia and reperfusion. Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology, 87(2), 137–142. https://doi.org/10.1139/Y08-108.View Summary +
Alizadeh, A. M., Faghihi, M., Sadeghipour, H. R., Mohammadghasemi, F., & Khori, V. (2011). Role of endogenous oxytocin in cardiac ischemic preconditioning. Regulatory peptides, 167(1), 86–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.regpep.2010.11.004.View Summary +
Gutkowska, J., Jankowski, M., Lambert, C., Mukaddam-Daher, S., Zingg, H. H., & McCann, S. M. (1997). Oxytocin releases atrial natriuretic peptide by combining with oxytocin receptors in the heart. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 94(21), 11704–11709. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.94.21.11704.View Summary +
Moghimian, M., Faghihi, M., Karimian, S. M., Imani, A., Houshmand, F., & Azizi, Y. (2013). Role of central oxytocin in stress-induced cardioprotection in ischemic-reperfused heart model. Journal of cardiology, 61(1), 79–86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jjcc.2012.08.021.View Summary +
Gutkowska J, Paquette A, Wang D, Lavoie JM, Jankowski M. Effect of exercise training on cardiac oxytocin and natriuretic peptide systems in ovariectomized rats. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2007;293:R267–R275. doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.00071.2007.View Summary +
Jankowski M, Wang D, Danalache B, Gangal M, Gutkowska J. Cardiac oxytocin receptor blockade stimulates adverse cardiac remodeling in ovariectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2010;299:H265–H274. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00487.2009.View Summary +
Nation, D. A., Szeto, A., Mendez, A. J., Brooks, L. G., Zaias, J., Herderick, E. E., Gonzales, J., Noller, C. M., Schneiderman, N., & McCabe, P. M. (2010). Oxytocin attenuates atherosclerosis and adipose tissue inflammation in socially isolated ApoE-/- mice. Psychosomatic medicine, 72(4), 376–382. https://doi.org/10.1097/PSY.0b013e3181d74c48.View Summary +
Jankowski, M., Danalache, B., Wang, D., Bhat, P., Hajjar, F., Marcinkiewicz, M., Paquin, J., McCann, S. M., & Gutkowska, J. (2004). Oxytocin in cardiac ontogeny. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 101(35), 13074–13079. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0405324101.View Summary +
Szeto, A., Nation, D. A., Mendez, A. J., Dominguez-Bendala, J., Brooks, L. G., Schneiderman, N., & McCabe, P. M. (2008). Oxytocin attenuates NADPH-dependent superoxide activity and IL-6 secretion in macrophages and vascular cells. American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 295(6), E1495–E1501. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.90718.2008.View Summary +
Florian, M., Jankowski, M., & Gutkowska, J. (2010). Oxytocin increases glucose uptake in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Endocrinology, 151(2), 482–491. https://doi.org/10.1210/en.2009-0624.View Summary +
Kobayashi, H., Yasuda, S., Bao, N., Iwasa, M., Kawamura, I., Yamada, Y., Yamaki, T., Sumi, S., Ushikoshi, H., Nishigaki, K., Takemura, G., Fujiwara, T., Fujiwara, H., & Minatoguchi, S. (2009). Postinfarct treatment with oxytocin improves cardiac function and remodeling via activating cell-survival signals and angiogenesis. Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology, 54(6), 510–519. https://doi.org/10.1097/FJC.0b013e3181bfac02.View Summary +
Jankowski, M., Bissonauth, V., Gao, L., Gangal, M., Wang, D., Danalache, B., Wang, Y., Stoyanova, E., Cloutier, G., Blaise, G., & Gutkowska, J. (2010). Anti-inflammatory effect of oxytocin in rat myocardial infarction. Basic research in cardiology, 105(2), 205–218. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00395-009-0076-5.View Summary +
Al-Amran, F., & Shahkolahi, M. (2013). Oxytocin ameliorates the immediate myocardial injury in rat heart transplant through downregulation of neutrophil-dependent myocardial apoptosis. Transplantation proceedings, 45(6), 2506–2512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.transproceed.2013.03.022.View Summary +
An, X., Sun, X., Hou, Y., Yang, X., Chen, H., Zhang, P., & Wu, J. (2019). Protective effect of oxytocin on LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice. Scientific reports, 9(1), 2836. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-39349-1.View Summary +
Yuan, L., Liu, S., Bai, X., Gao, Y., Liu, G., Wang, X., Liu, D., Li, T., Hao, A., & Wang, Z. (2016). Oxytocin inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in microglial cells and attenuates microglial activation in lipopolysaccharide-treated mice. Journal of neuroinflammation, 13(1), 77. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12974-016-0541-7.View Summary +
Inoue, T., Yamakage, H., Tanaka, M., Kusakabe, T., Shimatsu, A., & Satoh-Asahara, N. (2019). Oxytocin Suppresses Inflammatory Responses Induced by Lipopolysaccharide through Inhibition of the eIF-2-ATF4 Pathway in Mouse Microglia. Cells, 8(6), 527. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells8060527.View Summary +
Sünnetçi, E., Solmaz, V., & Erbaş, O. (2021). Chronic Oxytocin treatment has long lasting therapeutic potential in a rat model of neonatal hypercapnic-hypoxia injury, through enhanced GABAergic signaling and by reducing hippocampal gliosis with its anti-inflammatory feature. Peptides, 135, 170398. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170398.View Summary +
Clodi, M., Vila, G., Geyeregger, R., Riedl, M., Stulnig, T. M., Struck, J., Luger, T. A., & Luger, A. (2008). Oxytocin alleviates the neuroendocrine and cytokine response to bacterial endotoxin in healthy men. American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 295(3), E686–E691. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.90263.2008.View Summary +
Buemann, B., Marazziti, D., & Uvnäs-Moberg, K. (2021). Can intravenous oxytocin infusion counteract hyperinflammation in COVID-19 infected patients?. The world journal of biological psychiatry : the official journal of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry, 22(5), 387–398. https://doi.org/10.1080/15622975.2020.1814408.View Summary +
Imami, A. S., O’Donovan, S. M., Creeden, J. F., Wu, X., Eby, H., McCullumsmith, C. B., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., McCullumsmith, R. E., & Andari, E. (2020). Oxytocin’s anti-inflammatory and proimmune functions in COVID-19: a transcriptomic signature-based approach. Physiological genomics, 52(9), 401–407. https://doi.org/10.1152/physiolgenomics.00095.2020.View Summary +
Sever, I. H., Ozkul, B., Erisik Tanriover, D., Ozkul, O., Elgormus, C. S., Gur, S. G., Sogut, I., Uyanikgil, Y., Cetin, E. O., & Erbas, O. (2021). Protective effect of oxytocin through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant role in a model of sepsis-induced acute lung injury: Demonstrated by CT and histological findings. Experimental lung research, 47(9), 426–435. https://doi.org/10.1080/01902148.2021.1992808.View Summary +
Nishimura, H., Yoshimura, M., Shimizu, M., Sanada, K., Sonoda, S., Nishimura, K., Baba, K., Ikeda, N., Motojima, Y., Maruyama, T., Nonaka, Y., Baba, R., Onaka, T., Horishita, T., Morimoto, H., Yoshida, Y., Kawasaki, M., Sakai, A., Muratani, M., Conway-Campbell, B., … Ueta, Y. (2022). Endogenous oxytocin exerts anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in rats. Communications biology, 5(1), 907. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-022-03879-8.View Summary +
Yuan, L., Liu, S., Bai, X., Gao, Y., Liu, G., Wang, X., Liu, D., Li, T., Hao, A., & Wang, Z. (2016). Oxytocin inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in microglial cells and attenuates microglial activation in lipopolysaccharide-treated mice. Journal of neuroinflammation, 13(1), 77. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12974-016-0541-7.View Summary +
Petersson, M., Wiberg, U., Lundeberg, T., & Uvnäs-Moberg, K. (2001). Oxytocin decreases carrageenan induced inflammation in rats. Peptides, 22(9), 1479–1484. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0196-9781(01)00469-7.View Summary +
Işeri, S. O., Sener, G., Saglam, B., Gedik, N., Ercan, F., & Yegen, B. C. (2005). Oxytocin protects against sepsis-induced multiple organ damage: role of neutrophils. The Journal of surgical research, 126(1), 73–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2005.01.021.View Summary +
Grieb, Z. A., & Lonstein, J. S. (2022). Oxytocin interactions with central dopamine and serotonin systems regulate different components of motherhood. Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences, 377(1858), 20210062. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2021.0062.View Summary +
Pfister, H. P., & Muir, J. L. (1989). Influence of exogenously administered oxytocin on central noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin levels following psychological stress in nulliparous female rats (Rattus norvegicus). The International journal of neuroscience, 45(3-4), 221–229. https://doi.org/10.3109/00207458908986235.View Summary +
Pedersen C. A. (2017). Oxytocin, Tolerance, and the Dark Side of Addiction. International review of neurobiology, 136, 239–274. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.irn.2017.08.003.View Summary +
Lee, M. R., Rohn, M. C., Tanda, G., & Leggio, L. (2016). Targeting the Oxytocin System to Treat Addictive Disorders: Rationale and Progress to Date. CNS drugs, 30(2), 109–123. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-016-0313-z.View Summary +
King, C. E., Gano, A., & Becker, H. C. (2020). The role of oxytocin in alcohol and drug abuse. Brain research, 1736, 146761. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146761.View Summary +
Sarnyai, Z., & Kovács, G. L. (2014). Oxytocin in learning and addiction: From early discoveries to the present. Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior, 119, 3–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2013.11.019View Summary +
Che, X., Cai, J., Liu, Y., Xu, T., Yang, J., & Wu, C. (2021). Oxytocin signaling in the treatment of drug addiction: Therapeutic opportunities and challenges. Pharmacology & therapeutics, 223, 107820. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107820.View Summary +
Kovács, G. L., Sarnyai, Z., & Szabó, G. (1998). Oxytocin and addiction: a review. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 23(8), 945–962. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0306-4530(98)00064-x.View Summary +
Sarnyai, Z., & Kovács, G. L. (1994). Role of oxytocin in the neuroadaptation to drugs of abuse. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 19(1), 85–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/0306-4530(94)90062-0.View Summary +
Lee, M. R., & Weerts, E. M. (2016). Oxytocin for the treatment of drug and alcohol use disorders. Behavioural pharmacology, 27(8), 640–648. https://doi.org/10.1097/FBP.0000000000000258.View Summary +
McGregor, I. S., & Bowen, M. T. (2012). Breaking the loop: oxytocin as a potential treatment for drug addiction. Hormones and behavior, 61(3), 331–339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2011.12.001.View Summary +
Sundar, M., Patel, D., Young, Z., & Leong, K. C. (2021). Oxytocin and Addiction: Potential Glutamatergic Mechanisms. International journal of molecular sciences, 22(5), 2405. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22052405.View Summary +
Leong, K. C., Freeman, L. R., Berini, C. R., Ghee, S. M., See, R. E., & Reichel, C. M. (2017). Oxytocin Reduces Cocaine Cued Fos Activation in a Regionally Specific Manner. The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology, 20(10), 844–854. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijnp/pyx058.View Summary +
Hansson, A. C., Koopmann, A., Uhrig, S., Bühler, S., Domi, E., Kiessling, E., Ciccocioppo, R., Froemke, R. C., Grinevich, V., Kiefer, F., Sommer, W. H., Vollstädt-Klein, S., & Spanagel, R. (2018). Oxytocin Reduces Alcohol Cue-Reactivity in Alcohol-Dependent Rats and Humans. Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 43(6), 1235–1246. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2017.257.View Summary +
King, C. E., Griffin, W. C., Luderman, L. N., Kates, M. M., McGinty, J. F., & Becker, H. C. (2017). Oxytocin Reduces Ethanol Self-Administration in Mice. Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research, 41(5), 955–964. https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.13359.View Summary +
Mitchell, J. M., Arcuni, P. A., Weinstein, D., & Woolley, J. D. (2016). Intranasal Oxytocin Selectively Modulates Social Perception, Craving, and Approach Behavior in Subjects With Alcohol Use Disorder. Journal of addiction medicine, 10(3), 182–189. https://doi.org/10.1097/ADM.0000000000000213.View Summary +
Moeini, M., Omidi, A., Sehat, M., & Banafshe, H. R. (2019). The Effects of Oxytocin on Withdrawal, Craving and Stress Response in Heroin-Dependent Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial. European addiction research, 25(1), 41–47. https://doi.org/10.1159/000496194.View Summary +
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